Similar species: This species is easily distinguished from Eriophorum angustifolium and E. viridicarinatum by having colored bristles (which elongate in August and September) and a single stamen. The previously mentioned species bear three stamens, and their mostly white bristles elongate in May and June.

Since the bristles of this species vary from tawny to white with intermediate forms, I have not attempted to separate our plants on the basis of this character. Nearly all of our plants at maturity have white or whitish bristles. It is found in marshes and tamarack bogs.